The national competition began in 2006 and is designed to encourage youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance, according to the press release. This helps students master public speaking skills, build self-esteem and internalize an appreciation for American literary heritage.
The deadline for registration for schools is Nov. 30.
In the traditional Poetry Out Loud competition, contestants memorize and recite three poems from a national anthology put together by the National Poetry Foundation, IAC Poetry Out Loud program coordinator Sarah Fronczek said.
This new competition, called Poetry Ourselves on a national level and Poetry From Within in Indiana, will be a part of the 2016 event.
“Because of the 50th anniversary for the National Endowment for the Arts, they will invite the state winners, if they write original poetry, to submit their poems for a separate competition,” Fronczek said.
Fronczek said she believes this expansion will enhance the contestants’ experience in the competition.
“Many of our Poetry Out Loud contestants write their own poetry in addition to reading and reciting the works of published poets,” Fronczek said in a press release. “Adding this dimension to the State Finals will give them another creative outlet.”
Bloomington High School South has been participating in Poetry Out Loud for the past several years, and Bloomington High School North will be participating for its first time this year, Fronczek said.
BHS South English teacher and Poetry Out Loud sponsor Shelly McDermott-Sibe said she is excited about the 2016 competition.
“I’ve had students who aren’t in my classes, or who are, who have a love of poetry but they don’t have opportunities to pursue that love of poetry,” McDermott-Sipe said. “It’s been a nice venue for them to share that passion. It’s been a learning experience for me to learn about recitation because it’s helping them learn how to perform the poem, but not in a dramatic way.”
McDermott-Sibe said the establishment of Poetry from Within has been well received at BHS South.
“We’ve always had an open mic component at our competition, so in between the rounds and at the end students would share the original poetry,” McDermott-Sibe said. “I’m so happy to see that at the state and national level that they’re allowing students to submit their own work.”
The Indiana Arts Commission is dedicated to the vision of the arts everywhere, everyday, for everyone in Indiana, according to the press release. Poetry Out Loud and Poetry From Within stay true to this message.
“It gives students real experience with performance and it also will enhance their understanding of poetry to prepare for the competition,” McDermott-Sibe said. “At the national level, there’s a $20,000 scholarship that they can win if they win the national competition.”
Above all, McDermott-Sipe said Poetry Out Loud is about honoring students across the country and encouraging a love of poetry.
“We need more academic competition that honor students in the way athletic competitions do,” McDermott-Sipe said. “It shows a real investment in keeping the art and love of poetry alive.”
